bake whole chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
bake whole chicken recipe
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The Best bake whole chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite bake whole chicken recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.

The beauty of baking a whole chicken is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy home cooks like myself. Plus, the end result is always tender, juicy, and full of flavor. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of baking a whole chicken, including the key techniques and tips you need to know.

So, let’s get started! I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love helping me prepare the chicken, and they’re always eager to dig in when it’s done.

It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies into their diet – just toss some carrots and potatoes in the pan with the chicken and roast them together. The result is a delicious, one-pan meal that everyone will love. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it with just about anything – mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a simple green salad. And don’t even get me started on the leftovers! This recipe makes plenty of food for seconds (and maybe even thirds), so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Bake Whole Chicken

Bake Whole Chicken

4.6 from 1338 votes

A simple and delicious recipe for baking a whole chicken. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and the whole chicken is cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and juicy meat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken, about 4 lbs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Roasting

1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
fresh herbs for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3This step is crucial to achieve a crispy skin.
4Season the chicken inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
5Rub the chicken all over with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and to promote browning.
6Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.
7Tuck the wing tips under the chicken to prevent burning.
8Place the lemon and garlic halves, carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery in the roasting pan around the chicken.
9These vegetables will absorb the drippings and add flavor to the chicken.
10Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
11Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F after 15 minutes.
12Continue roasting the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
13Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
14Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
15This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
16Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 124mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 37g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or parsnips to the roasting pan. For added flavor, stuff the chicken cavity with aromatics like herbs and citrus.

This bake whole chicken recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s so easy to make and always results in tender, juicy meat that everyone loves. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion: weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even just because!

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a simple green salad for a delicious one-pan meal that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bake Whole Chicken

Q: What temperature should I bake my whole chicken at?

Bake your whole chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-50 minutes per pound. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Q: How do I know when my chicken is done?

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your oven’s accuracy. The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer – it should read at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast or thigh.

Q: Can I cook my chicken from frozen?

No, it’s not recommended to cook a frozen whole chicken in the oven. Instead, thaw your chicken overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water – then pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary?

You can omit these herbs if you don’t have them on hand – or substitute them with other herbs like parsley or oregano.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep your ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble and bake the chicken.

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